Thyme is an aromatic plant very resistant to drought and high temperatures, that is why it is one of the most interesting if you are looking for species whose maintenance is simple, so much so that you can go on vacation for a few days in the middle of summer and when come back to find him as healthy as you left him before you left.
Also, it doesn’t grow much. Only about 40 centimeters high at most, so it is ideal to decorate patios and terraces with it. Although if you prefer, you can have many copies together and enjoy the effect they will give the garden. But for that possibility to exist, you first have to know how to plant thyme.
What is there to know about thyme before planting it?
Image – Flickr / Mathesont
So that problems do not arise, it is always important to know at least the basics of the plant you want to plant. If it is not done, you can run the risk of locating it in an area where it does not grow as much as it should, or where in the end you have to change places because the place where you have put it, for example, does not convince you. So, let’s see what there is to know about thyme.
It is small in size and grows in limestone soils
Your height, once you reach adulthood, does not exceed 40 centimeters. This characteristic makes it suitable for growing in pots, in planters, … Of course it also looks great in gardens where it can look great if planted in groups as long as the soil is limestone and has good drainage.
It is a plant that wants sun and little water
Thyme, whose scientific name is Thymus vulgarisis a typical Mediterranean plant, and like most of them, grows in sunny exposures and in areas where dry spells or droughts can last for several weeks throughout the year, especially in summer.
It is used as aromatic and medicinal
I mention this because the plants that have some use beyond the ornamental you may want to have them closer to the kitchen or the entrance of the house . Thyme is widely used to flavor different dishes, but you have to know that has antiseptic, antidiarrheal, anti-inflammatory properties, and is also used to treat laryngitis and bronchitis.
When and how to plant thyme?
Now that we know what is necessary, it is time to know when and how thyme is planted. First, we will talk about when. Well, this is a plant whose growing season begins in the spring and ends in the fall in its original places. To make it easier for you to get through the transplant, we must try to carry out this task towards the beginning of springsince that is when we will find it about to resume its activity.
If it is the case that you live in an area where winters are mild (without frosts or very weak) you can also do it in autumn, but it is not the most recommended.
Planting thyme in the garden
To plant thyme in the garden you have to follow this step by step:
Choose a location
As we have said, being a small plant it can be had in any corner. But said place it must be sunny and have limestone soilor at a minimum, a neutral pH. In addition, due to its size it is necessary that it be placed in an area where other plants cannot bother or shade it.
Ideally, the tallest plants should be behind the thyme, and at least XNUMX to XNUMX inches away from it.
Make a planting hole
With the help of a hoe, dig a hole of about 40 x 40 centimeters. If the soil you have does not drain the water quickly, make it larger, 70 x 70cm. Thyme does not like very compact soils.
Fill it with a little dirt
The next step is to fill it with a layer about 5 centimeters thick of expanded clay balls, and then with universal substrate or mulch. Do not fill it alljust up to a little less than half.
Introduce the plant
Remove the thyme from the pot, being careful not to manipulate the roots too much, and insert it into the hole. If you see that it is too high or too low, do not hesitate to remove or add more substrate. Think that the surface of the root bread (root ball) should be a little below from the surface of the garden soil.
Finish filling in the hole
To finish, you will only have put more substrate in the hole so that it is well filledand water. In a few days you will begin to notice growth in your thyme.
Planting thyme in a pot or planter
If you want to plant thyme in another pot or planter, that is, if you want to change the container, you have to follow this step by step:
Choose a pot
The pot or planter can be made of plastic or clay, but they must have some holes in their base so that the water comes out when it is watered. Likewise, they must measure at least three centimeters more than the previous ones.
Fill it with substrate
Now you have to fill them with a little substratelike the universal (for sale here!) or mulch. It is advisable to mix them with a little perlite or arlite, as this will improve drainage.
Plant it
Gently scoop the thyme out of its old pot or planter and place it in its new container. If you see that it is high or very low, remove or add more substrate so that it is at the appropriate height (The surface of the root ball should not be more than one centimeter below the edge of the pot or planter).
Finish filling and water
The last step is finish filling with substrate and water thoroughly. Then, you just have to take the thyme to a sunny exhibition, and enjoy watching it grow .
Where to buy thyme?
Get your specimen of thyme here!.
I hope it has been useful to you.
